Man Goes To OC Fair In California. Then He Catches Basketball Game Booth With Rigged Setup—And He Films The Proof: ‘Always Wondered Why My Kids Can’t Win’

Everyone knows that carnival games are a scam. Still, some may think they can beat the odds, win one of the games, and take home a giant teddy bear.

The chances of that happening are pretty slim. As many on the internet have already pointed out, most carnival games are primarily designed to take away your money—not give you an honest attempt at the prize.

But the ways that these games trick you can be pretty shocking. For example, at the basketball booth, it may seem like all one has to do to win is shoot a free throw. However, as one TikTok user recently learned, there’s more going on than what it seems on the surface.

What’s Wrong With This Carnival Game?

In a video with over 3.4 million views, TikTok user @lightfootsranch shows what appears to be a normal basketball shoot game at OC Fair in Costa Mesa, California.

However, when he looks more closely at the basketball hoops, he notices something isn’t quite right.

“I always knew this s—- was rigged,” the TikToker starts.

Upon closer observation, it appears that the basketball hoops are not in a standard circular shape. Instead, it’s an oval. The balls provided are normal basketballs.

This audibly angers the TikToker, even causing him to yell down to people about to compete in the game.

“Don’t do it! It’s rigged!” he yells.

Is This Normal?

Yup—and it’s not the only way these games are messing with you.

One of the reasons this game is so deceptive is that you’re probably already familiar with a basketball hoop and how to shoot a basket. Because of this, carnival game designers use a host of minor changes to ensure that even the most experienced basketball player will be thrown off their game at one of these hoops.

To start, the rim is often oval, not round. While you can still technically get the ball in the basket, it’s not as easy—and it will behave considerably differently from a normal rim.

Next, there are other quirks with the hoop itself. Most normal basketball hoops have a rim that’s placed fairly close to the backboard. A rigged carnival rim juts out just a little bit further. This, like other changes, impacts how the ball behaves, often bouncing the ball out instead of into the basket.

Finally, there are additional changes that some carnival operators can make to the hoop to further throw one off their game. They may place the hoop slightly higher than a regulation hoop. Alternatively, they may make the participant stand slightly further than a typical free throw. They may also overinflate the ball. These changes are big enough to cause a difference, but small enough that the average player will likely not notice.

Still, this game is technically winnable. To do this, experts advise aiming for the backboard with a high arc shot. Alternatively, if you really want an item, it’s probably cheaper to simply buy it online rather than empty your wallet trying to win it.

People Feel Ripped Off—But Not Surprised

In the comments section, users weren’t shocked by the discovery, even if many were annoyed by it.

“There is a small sign always off to the side that says non regulation net. That’s [their] way to cover themselves,” a commenter shared. “I still played and won.”

“’Cause they act like some kids winning a cheap a– stuffed animal is gonna kill their pockets,” another added.

“I keep telling people by the time you spend all your money trying to make 1 shot you actually Bought every stuffed animal on display,” stated a third.

BroBible reached out to @lightfootsranch via TikTok and Instagram direct message, and OC Fair via email.